Warren had called and texted his realtor counterpart at the third house, but never received a response. He tried again, and after a few minutes the realtor called back: he had spoken with the homeowner and we were cleared for a visit.
We pulled into the driveway, and headed for the front door. Warren pulled out the fascinating gadget that lets realtors into any house they want, and then knocked on the door as he put the key in the lock. Just as he opened the door, the homeowner walked to the door. Weird.
Apparently realtor friend had informed the wrong homeowner. Or he just said he had told the homeowner. We gave her ten minutes and she took Skipper for a walk (her dog. Name changed to protect the innocent).
Right inside the front door was a very large fish tank. The house was warm, musty and messy. Not a good start for Kim!
We traipsed through the downstairs, and I peeked in the garage. I thought it was strange that a light was on, and then I noticed it was an animal cage. I took the few steps down into the garage and rounded the corner of the cage to see its inhabitants: two iguanas. Honestly, I was expecting frogs or turtles.
We finished the rest of the house, looking through room after room piled high with stuff. Rule #1 when you’re selling a house: clean it up! And take your pet iguanas to the iguana sitter.
We finished off the day with one more visit. As we pulled away, Warren told us that many people will see 20 houses before they find one they like. We have to see 16 more?
Day one, complete. It’s serious now, though. No more funny business: we’re here to buy a house, not run into the West End crazies. Be back soon…
We only looked at two for this one—–hope you don’t have to figure the extra 18 into your average.
Now on our first house, sometime Dad and I will have to think about how many we looked at. But, true to form, we saw 1608 Marble Head the first day out.
But have you seen any purple shag carpet and 3′ diameter orange flower wallpaper yet? The best may be yet to come…that was our favorite 20 years ago…
Good luck!